Goodwill® Asks Employers to Hire Older Workers and Recognize the Skills and Experiences They Bring to the Workplace

ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- By 2014, Americans ages 55 and older will make up more than 21 percent of the workforce, playing an increasingly important role in the economy and world marketplace. Goodwill salutes the contributions of this labor segment during National Employ Older Workers Week, through September 28, and encourages employers everywhere to recognize the value of older employees.

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The term retirement is quickly becoming outdated as Americans live and work longer, yet the rapidly growing sector of older workers often faces challenges to employment, especially in a competitive marketplace. Goodwill is committed to helping older workers find meaningful work and to educating potential employers on how to leverage older workers' skills and experiences. Research shows that older employees are motivated to exceed employer expectations, exhibit a strong work ethic, feel company loyalty, and demonstrate a desire to mentor younger workers.

Many Goodwill agencies participate in the U.S. Department of Labor's Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), which provides on-the-job skills training to individuals 55 or older who have limited financial resources. Since its inception, SCSEP has helped more than one million older Americans enter the workforce. Goodwill has served 7,400 individuals through the program and has helped nearly 2,000 find employment.

"It makes sound business sense to tap into this talent pool and take advantage of the expertise and life experience of older workers," said Jim Gibbons of president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International. "We applaud the U.S. Department of Labor for calling attention to the vital role older Americans play in the economic health of our country during National Employ Older Workers Week."

About Goodwill Industries International

Goodwill Industries International is a network of 165 community-based agencies in the United States and Canada with affiliates in 13 other countries. Goodwill agencies are innovative and sustainable social enterprises that fund job training programs, employment placement services and other community-based programs by selling donated clothing and household items in more than 2,700 stores and online at shopgoodwill.com®. Goodwill also builds revenue and creates jobs by contracting with businesses and government agencies to provide a wide range of commercial services, including packaging and assembly, food service preparation, and document imaging and shredding. In 2012, more than 6.7 million people in the United States and Canada benefited from Goodwill's career services. Goodwill channels 82 percent of its revenues directly into its programs and services. To find a Goodwill location near you, use the online locator at www.goodwill.org, or call (800) GOODWILL. Follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillIntl, and find us on Facebook: GoodwillIntl.

SOURCE Goodwill Industries International